Ahead of Hair

I was looking for a new salon, and I made an appointment here for a pixie cut. After making the appointment, I spent a week collecting tons of photos on Pinterest. When I went to my appointment, my new stylist sorta glanced at the photos. In the end, I got an ok hair cut but it’s nothing like any of the photos. I was hoping for something fun and cool but instead I got a somewhat frumpy and unstylish short do. Too long in some places, too short in others. Completely wrong. Disappointed that I’ll have to look elsewhere for someone who knows how to look at the photos, listen to me, and give me an actual pixie cut. The salon itself had a fun atmosphere and everyone was very friendly and nice. It would have been a great experience if I had actually received the style I asked for. Bottom line, nice place but I don’t like my haircut.

I was curious about Ahead of hair so I asked about whether they had experience with Keratin treatment on Black hair. I was given Shannon’s name. I was pleasantly greeted by her and she asked me what I wanted to accomplish. She was professional and outlined a plan for me. Each time I visited she was great! (Even during that awkward stage that we all go thru when growing out your hair). I look forward to my appts. The prices are great as well. It’s also nice that when you make an appt. you are seen at that time. I LOVE my beautician!!! She makes me feel beautiful inside and out !!! Way to go Shannon!!!

I have been a couple times and have seen Shannon. The first time she was personable and engaging, this past time I felt I was intruding. I was kept waiting at least ½ hour after my appointment time, and I was getting bad vibes from her because I had them go and find her.
The first haircut was OK considering she did not know me, this time it was horrible as she was distracted somehow. I went home and tried to cut it/​shape it myself.
I may (and that’s a big MAY) go back to the salon, but will not use Shannon again. And actually, all the stylist seem to play favorites, e.g., if you’re a regular you get top treatment, if you’re not, they don’t want to deal with you. Sorry, thought you are in the service industry!

LOVE Ahead of Hair! Was recommended to me by a friend when I moved to Richmond 4 years ago and have been going ever since. I usually see Melissa, and I love her! She is so friendly and does an excellent job. If you are looking for a salon in the West End/​Short Pump, Ahead of Hair is the place to go!

We called for an «emergency» color correction for my daughter’s hair. Ashley took the time to assess the best course of action. The end result was fantastic — beautiful color and cut, and at a reasonable price. Thanks to Chris, also, for pitching in. Wonderful staff, wonderful salon. You’ve earned clients for life :)

I went here for a color and cut. The girl eho did my hair did an awesome job on my color, but as far as blowdrying my hair, I think she wasnt prepared for me. My hair type is different, Im biracial so it curly when wet, and I have to blow dry it straight. This girl seemed to struggle to get my bair thr way I wanted it to be. I left with a great color job but styling was lame.

I saw Devon and she gave an awesome hair cut and style. Whenever I am the area I will be sure to come back for more. The colors looked deep and vibrant. I will want to try that next time!

I have been going to Ahead of Hair for over a year now. I had been to several salons previously and have never really been happy with my hair cut or color until I came here! I have really thick hair, which can be frustrating and hard to work with. This didn’t phase Emily Maleiros at all, which made me feel better. Emily Maleiros does an AMAZING job. She makes me feel comfortable and truly goes above and behind to make sure my style is perfect and exactly what I want. She always recommends great ideas as well. Also, the front desk receptionists are always friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. I can’t wait for my next appointment! Thanks Emily!
Lauren Baxter

Wow! I just moved back to Richmond after living in Nova and was extremely happy with this salon. Jessica was my colorist and she is truly a magician with hair color and customer service! I have hair with lots of issues and am always weary of stylists that don’t understand my kooky hair. She makes, you feel so welcomed and comfortable from the first greeting. In the chair, she listens to your needs, concerns and interests in ramping up your hair style and color. I mentioned that I liked the «ombré» coloring and she was on it! It is the best color I’ve had in years! Karen Bates

I go to Danielle at the Short Pump location and she is absolutely superb. She is not only great at her craft, but she loves what she does and is very thoughtful about it. Her technique is impeccable and I have never had a bad cut. I’ve been going to her for about a year and even when I «cheated» somewhere else and got a horrible cut, she was so pleasant and worked really hard to fix it for me.
I’ve also had her do highlights, which were very well done and incredibly well integrated into my hair — very natural looking– and I have had her dye them back when I wanted to go back to my natural color as they grew out. She matched the roots perfectly and you can’t even tell as they grow out. She is pretty well skilled at any service you need. She is a more senior level stylist and for long hair she charges me around $ 50 for a cut, but it is very well worth every cent.
I have never had a bad experience at the front desk, as a couple reviewers have commented, maybe that was a bad day for them. Danielle is popular and you have to schedule ahead, but very much worth it!

Came here for the first time yesterday on recommendation from my co-workers…LOVED IT. Erica is amazing. I wanted kind of a complicated coloring job (changing my super dark hair to a brown/​lighter brown fade to blonde ends) so I was nervous about handing myself off to someone I’d never met, but after showing her a couple pictures, Erica totally got it and set right to work. She completely understood my vision and executed it PERFECTLY. I am beyond pleased! And it wasn’t even too expensive (about $ 170 for multiple colorings and a minor cut).
The salon itself is spacious and bright. The staff is courteous and friendly. The chairs at the hair wash station even gently massage you. Damn that’s nice stuff.